Atlanta Seatbelt Injury Attorneys

Advocating for Victims of Negligent Manufacturers

There is no question that seatbelts save lives. They are also required by law in Georgia and most states in the U.S. Despite the many reasons to wear them, when they are improperly designed or used, seatbelts can also be the cause of serious or even fatal injuries.

If you or someone you love suffered an injury due to a seatbelt, contact Grant Law Office as soon as possible. Our Atlanta seatbelt injury attorneys can look into the details of your accident and determine what went wrong. This may range from a negligent mechanic to a careless manufacturer. No matter who caused your trauma, we can advocate for you in a personal injury claim. To learn how, call us at (404) 995-3955.

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What Are the Dangers of Defective Seatbelts?

Two collisions actually occur in an auto accident. First, there is the impact of the vehicle with an object or another vehicle. Second, there is the impact of the occupant with the interior of the vehicle (or exterior of the vehicle if the occupant is ejected). “Seatbelt injuries” occur when a seatbelt fails to protect an occupant in the second impact.

A defective seatbelt buckle may release upon impact, allowing a passenger or driver to strike the interior of a car and even be ejected from the vehicle. This can also occur when the webbing is frayed or torn or when a defective pretensioner leaves too much slack in the shoulder belt, which could allow the wearer to suffer severe abdominal, facial, or spinal injuries in a crash.

In our experience, the most common causes of seatbelt injuries include:

• The seatbelt’s retractor failing to lock properly, allowing the webbing to extend too far.
• The webbing becoming torn from contact with a sharp item on the seat frame or due to a defect in the webbing itself.
• The pretensioner allowing too much slack for a passenger.
• The latch not locking properly.

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What Are Some Seatbelt Injures Caused by Auto Accidents?

Seatbelts can also cause serious injuries when working properly. They are designed to restrain occupants and reduce the impact of a collision, but they do not 100% prevent injuries.

When the belt tightens, a passenger is held against a seat forcefully, which may cause internal damage and broken bones in a collision at high speeds. With lap seatbelts that strap only across the hips, occupants can jackknife over the seatbelt, sustaining internal injuries or head injuries. For shoulder-belt-only seatbelt designs, the occupant can submarine under the belt, suffering neck injuries or even decapitation. For a person of short stature, the shoulder strap anchor (D-ring) may ride too high and cause spinal injuries in a crash. All of these injuries should be attributed to the negligent driver who struck your car, rather than the manufacturer of the seatbelt.

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Who Is Liable for Seatbelt Injuries?

When a defective auto part causes serious injuries, the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor may be held accountable through a product liability claim. To determine if you have a product liability claim, you will need to perform an in-depth investigation and speak with automotive experts. In some cases, your injuries may have been caused by a part that should have been recalled and replaced.

Beyond a manufacturer, the at-fault driver may be liable for secondary injuries caused by a seatbelt. Drivers are expected to follow all of the rules of the road and avoid reckless behavior. If they contributed to your injuries in any way, such as by speeding or driving drunk, then they can be found at fault for your seatbelt-related trauma.

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Why You Need an Attorney

Defective seatbelts can result in a range of injuries to drivers and passengers in a crash. They can take a significant financial toll with medical expenses and lost earnings, in addition to the pain and suffering they cause. Your best chance of recovering full and fair compensation is to have an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer by your side.

Grant Law Office was founded in 2006; but Wayne Grant has been practicing since 1979, and Kimberly Grant has been practicing since 1993. Our husband-and-wife team has a successful track record of handling personal injury matters, including car accidents and product liability cases. If you have suffered seatbelt injuries due to someone else’s negligence, we can fight for your right to compensation. Call us today at (404) 995-3955 for a free consultation.

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